PRODUCT MONOGRAPH. Tapentadol. Extended-Release Tablets 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg Tapentadol (as tapentadol hydrochloride)

Transcription

1 PRODUCT MONOGRAPH N NUCYNTA Extended-Release Tapentadol Extended-Release Tablets 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg Tapentadol (as tapentadol hydrochloride) Opioid Analgesic Endo Ventures Ltd First Floor, Minerva, Simmonscourt Road Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 Ireland Importer/ Distributer Paladin Labs Inc. 100 Alexis Nihon Blvd, Suite 600 Montreal, H4M 2P2 Quebec, Canada Submission Control No: All trademarks used under license. Date of Preparation: October 28, 2013 Date of Revision: March 01, 2018 Version 2.0 Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 1 of 55

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION... 3 SUMMARY PRODUCT INFORMATION... 3 INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE... 3 CONTRAINDICATIONS... 4 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS... 5 ADVERSE REACTIONS DRUG INTERACTIONS DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION OVERDOSAGE ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY STORAGE AND STABILITY DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING PART II: SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION PHARMACEUTICAL INFORMATION CLINICAL TRIALS DETAILED PHARMACOLOGY TOXICOLOGY REFERENCES PATIENT MEDICATION INFORMATION Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 2 of 55

3 N NUCYNTA Extended-Release Tapentadol Extended-Release Tablets 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg Tapentadol (as tapentadol hydrochloride) Opioid Analgesic PART I: HEALTH PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION SUMMARY PRODUCT INFORMATION Route of Administration Oral Dosage Form / Strength Extended-Release tablet 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg Nonmedicinal Ingredients Ammonium hydroxide, butyl alcohol, butylated hydroxytoluene, hypromellose, isopropyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, talc, titanium dioxide, Vitamin E, black iron oxide (50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg tablets), FD&C Blue #2 Aluminum Lake (100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 250 mg tablets), yellow iron oxide (150 mg tablets) INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE Adults NUCYNTA Extended-Release (tapentadol) is indicated for the management of pain severe enough to require daily, continuous, long-term opioid treatment, and: that is opioid-responsive; and for which alternative treatment options are inadequate. NUCYNTA Extended-Release is not indicated as an as-needed (prn) analgesic. Geriatrics ( 65 years of age): In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, concomitant disease or other drug therapy. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 3 of 55

4 Pediatrics (< 18 years of age): The safety and efficacy of NUCYNTA Extended-Release have not been studied in the pediatric population. Therefore, use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release tablets is not recommended in patients under 18 years of age. CONTRAINDICATIONS NUCYNTA Extended-Release (tapentadol) is contraindicated in: Patients who are hypersensitive (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, anaphylactic shock) to tapentadol, to opioids, or to any ingredient in the formulation or component of the container (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Hypersensitivity, and ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post-Marketing Adverse Events). For a complete listing of ingredients, see the DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING section of the Product Monograph; In patients with known or suspected mechanical gastrointestinal obstruction (e.g., bowel obstruction, strictures) or any diseases/conditions that affect bowel transit (e.g., ileus of any type); Patients with suspected surgical abdomen (e.g., acute appendicitis or pancreatitis); The management of acute pain; Patients taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (or within 14 days of such therapy) (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS); Severe renal or hepatic impairment (creatinine clearance of less than 30 ml/min and/or Child-Pugh Class C); Patients with mild, intermittent or short-duration pain that can be managed with other pain medications; The management of peri-operative pain; Patients with acute asthma or other obstructive airway, and status asthmaticus; Patients with acute respiratory depression, elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood, and cor pulmonale; Patients with acute alcoholism, delirium tremens, and convulsive disorders; Patients with severe CNS depression, increased cerebrospinal or intracranial pressure, and head injury; Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant, or during labour and delivery (see SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 4 of 55

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS SERIOUS WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Limitations of Use Because of the risks of addiction, abuse and misuse with opioids, even at recommended doses, and because of the greater risks of overdose and death with extended-release opioid fomulations, NUCYNTA Extended-Release should only be used in patients for whom alternative treatment options are ineffective or not tolerated (e.g., non-opioid analgesics), or would be otherwise inadequate to provide sufficient management of pain (e.g., immediate-release opioids) (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Addiction, Abuse and Misuse NUCYNTA Extended-Release poses risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Each patient s risk should be assessed prior to prescribing NUCYNTA Extended-Release, and all patients should be monitored regularly for the development of these behaviours or conditions (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be stored securely to avoid theft or misuse. Life-threatening Respiratory Depression; OVERDOSE Serious life-threatening or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release. Infants exposed in-utero or through breast milk are at risk of lifethreatening respiratory depression upon delivery or when nursed. Patients should be monitored for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of NUCYNTA Extended-Release or following a dose increase. NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be swallowed whole; cutting, breaking, crushing, chewing or dissolving NUCYNTA Extended-Release can cause rapid release and absorption of a potentially fatal dose of tapentadol (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). Further, instruct patients of the hazards related to taking opioids including fatal overdose. Accidental Exposure Accidental consumption of even one dose of NUCYNTA Extended-Release, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of tapentadol (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION subsection Disposal, for instructions on proper disposal). Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Prolonged maternal use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). Interaction with Alcohol The co-ingestion of alcohol with NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be avoided as it may result in dangerous additive effects, causing serious injury or death (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS). Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 5 of 55

6 Risks From Concomitant Use With Benzodiazepines Or Other CNS Depressants Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neurologic and DRUG INTERACTIONS). Reserve concomitant prescribing of NUCYNTA Extended-Release and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. General NUCYNTA Extended-Release (tapentadol) tablets must be swallowed whole with sufficient liquid. NUCYNTA Extended-Release tablets should never be cut, broken, chewed, divided, dissolved or crushed. Taking broken or divided NUCYNTA Extended- Release could lead to the uncontrolled release and rapid absorption of a potentially fatal dose of tapentadol. Patients who have received NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be closely monitored, especially for signs of respiratory depression, until a stable maintenance dose is reached. As with many centrally acting analgesic medications, with both central and peripheral adverse effects, the dosing regimen should be individualized according to the severity of pain being treated, the previous treatment experience, and the ability to monitor the patient. Since alcohol increases the sedative effect of opioids, the concomitant use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release and alcohol should be avoided. Hypersensitivity There have been spontaneous post-marketing reports of hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, anaphylactic shock) in some patients during tapentadol treatment. Reported symptoms included skin redness, blisters, rash, hives, swollen face, throat tightness, dyspnea, and wheezing. Tapentadol treatment should be discontinued if such symptoms occur. Patients with hypersensitivity to tapentadol, or any other ingredient of the formulation or component of the container, should not take tapentadol (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post-Marketing Adverse Events). Caution should also be exercised in patients who have had serious allergic reactions to other medications. For a complete listing of ingredients, see the DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING section of the Product Monograph. Seizure Risk Clinical studies with tapentadol excluded patients with a history of seizure disorder or epilepsy and those with a neurological disorder that may increase the risk of seizures, such as any of the following within one year: mild/moderate traumatic brain injury, stroke, transient ischemic attack, and brain neoplasm, and severe traumatic brain injury within 15 years (consisting of at Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 6 of 55

7 least one of the following: brain contusion, intracranial hematoma, unconsciousness of posttraumatic amnesia, lasting for more than 24 hours or residual sequelae suggesting transient change in consciousness). During the clinical trials of tapentadol one subject with a past history of seizures developed convulsion. Spontaneous post-marketing reports of patients receiving tapentadol indicate that seizures have been reported. Although tapentadol has been given with concomitant use of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and other medications in clinical trials, precaution should be used when tapentadol is administered concomitantly with other medications that may cause seizures. If seizures occur, tapentadol should be discontinued. Risk of convulsions may also increase in patients with epilepsy, those with a history of seizures, or in patients with a recognized risk for seizure (such as head trauma, metabolic disorders, alcohol and drug withdrawal, CNS infections). Abuse, Addiction and Misuse NUCYNTA Extended-Release is a potential drug of abuse and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Therefore, NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be prescribed and handled with caution. NUCYNTA Extended-Release is intended for oral use only. NUCYNTA Extended-Release could be abused by cutting, breaking, crushing, chewing, snorting, or injecting the dissolved product. These practices will result in the uncontrolled delivery of the opioid and pose a significant risk to the abuser that could result in overdose and death. With parenteral abuse, the tablet excipients can be expected to result in local tissue necrosis, infection, pulmonary granulomas, and increased risk of endocarditis and valvular heart injury. Patients should be assessed for their clinical risks for opioid abuse or addiction prior to being prescribed opioids. All patients receiving opioids should be routinely monitored for signs of misuse and abuse. Opioids, such as NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be used with particular care in patients with a history of alcohol and illicit/prescription drug abuse. Concerns about abuse, addiction, and diversion should not prevent the proper management of pain. Dependence/Tolerance As with other opioids, tolerance and physical dependence may develop upon repeated administration of NUCYNTA Extended-Release and there is a potential for development of psychological dependence. Physical dependence and tolerance reflect the neuroadaptation of the opiate receptors to chronic exposure to an opiate, and are separate and distinct from abuse and addiction. Tolerance, as well Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 7 of 55

8 as physical dependence, may develop upon repeated administration of opioids, and are not by themselves evidence of an addictive disorder or abuse. Patients on prolonged therapy should be tapered gradually from the drug if it is no longer required for pain control. Withdrawal symptoms may occur following abrupt discontinuation of therapy or upon administration of an opioid antagonist (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Withdrawal Symptoms). NUCYNTA Extended-Release should not be used in opioid-dependent patients since it cannot suppress morphine withdrawal symptoms, even though it is an opioid agonist. Withdrawal Symptoms The opioid withdrawal syndrome may occur following abrupt discontinuation of therapy, and is characterized by some or all of the following: restlessness, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, yawning, perspiration, chills, myalgia, and mydriasis. Other symptoms also may develop, including irritability, anxiety, backache, joint pain, weakness, abdominal cramps, insomnia, nausea, vomiting, gooseflesh, loss of appetite, nervousness, sneezing, tremors, palpitations, fever, diarrhea, increased blood pressure or respiratory rate. Generally, tolerance and/or withdrawal are more likely to occur the longer a patient is on continuous opioid therapy. Patients should be cautioned about the possibility of experiencing withdrawal symptoms and counselled accordingly. Patients on prolonged therapy should be withdrawn gradually from the drug if it is no longer required for pain control. Clinical experience suggests that withdrawal symptoms may be relieved by reinstitution of opioid therapy followed by a gradual, tapered dose reduction of the medication combined with symptomatic support. Risk of Overdosage Serious potential consequences of overdosage with NUCYNTA Extended-Release are central nervous system depression, respiratory depression and death. In treating an overdose, primary attention should be given to maintaining adequate ventilation along with general supportive treatment (see OVERDOSAGE). Do not prescribe NUCYNTA Extended-Release for patients who are suicidal or addiction prone. NUCYNTA Extended-Release should not be taken in doses higher than those recommended by the physician. The judicious prescribing of tapentadol is essential to the safe use of this drug. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 8 of 55

9 Neurologic Interactions with Central Nervous System Depressants (Including Benzodiazepines and Alcohol) NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be used with caution and in a reduced dosage during concomitant administration of other opioid analgesics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines and other tranquilizers, sedative-hypnotics, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines, benzodiazepines, centrally-active anti-emetics and other CNS depressants including alcohol. Respiratory depression, hypotension and profound sedation, coma or death may result. When such combination therapy is contemplated, a substantial reduction in the dose of one or both agents should be considered and patients should be carefully monitored (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). With patients who are depressed or suicidal, consideration should be given to the use of non-narcotic analgesics. NUCYNTA Extended-Release should not be consumed with alcohol as it may increase the chance of experiencing dangerous side effects. Observational studies have demonstrated that concomitant use of opioid analgesics and benzodiazepines increases the risk of drug-related mortality compared to use of opioid analgesics alone. Because of similar pharmacological properties, it is reasonable to expect similar risk with the concomitant use of other CNS depressant drugs with opioid analgesics (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). If the decision is made to prescribe a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant concomitantly with an opioid analgesic, prescribe the lowest effective dosages and minimum durations of concomitant use. In patients already receiving an opioid analgesic, prescribe a lower initial dose of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant than indicated in the absence of an opioid, and titrate based on clinical response. If an opioid analgesic is initiated in a patient already taking a benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant, prescribe a lower initial dose of the opioid analgesic, and titrate based on clinical response. Follow patients closely for signs and symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation. Advise both patients and caregivers about the risks of respiratory depression and sedation when NUCYNTA Extended-Release is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants (including alcohol and illicit drugs). Advise patients not to drive or operate heavy machinery until the effects of concomitant use of the benzodiazepine or other CNS depressant have been determined. Screen patients for risk of substance use disorders, including opioid abuse and misuse, and warn them of the risk for overdose and death associated with the use of additional CNS depressants including alcohol and illicit drugs (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). NUCYNTA Extended-Release should not be consumed with alcohol as it may increase the chance of experiencing dangerous side effects, including death (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and DRUG INTERACTIONS). Severe pain antagonizes the subjective and respiratory depressant actions of opioid analgesics. Should pain suddenly subside, these effects may rapidly become manifest. Serotonin syndrome: NUCYNTA Extended-Release could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 9 of 55

10 resulting from concomitant administration of serotonergic drugs (e.g. anti-depressants, migraine medications). Treatment with the serotonergic drug should be discontinued if such events (characterized by clusters of symptoms such as hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, mental status changes including confusion, irritability, extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma) occur and supportive symptomatic treatment should be initiated. NUCYNTA Extended-Release should not be used in combination with MAO inhibitors or serotonin-precursors (such as L-tryptophan, oxitriptan) and should be used with caution in combination with other serotonergic drugs (triptans, certain tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, St. John s Wort) due to the risk of serotonergic syndrome (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). Head Injury and Increased Intracranial Pressure NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be used with caution in patients with increased intracranial pressure or head injury, since the respiratory depressant effects of opioid receptor agonism include carbon dioxide retention and secondary elevation of cerebrospinal fluid pressure, and such effects may be markedly exaggerated in these patients. Also, pupillary changes (miosis) from tapentadol may obscure the existence, extent or course of intracranial pathology. Clinicians should also maintain a high index of suspicion for adverse drug reactions when evaluating altered mental status in these patients if they are receiving tapentadol (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Respiratory Depression). Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) Prolonged maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can result in withdrawal signs in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release is contraindicated in pregnant women (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Respiratory Depression Serious, life threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended. Respiratory depression from opioid use, if not immediately recognized and treated, may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) retention from opioid-induced respiratory depression can exacerbate the sedating effects of opioids. Respiratory depression is a potential problem in elderly or debilitated patients as well as in those suffering from conditions accompanied by hypoxia or hypercapnia when even moderate therapeutic doses may dangerously decrease pulmonary ventilation. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 10 of 55

11 NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be administered with extreme caution to patients with conditions accompanied by hypoxia, hypercapnia, or decreased respiratory reserve such as: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cor pulmonale, severe obesity, sleep apnea syndrome, myxedema, kyphoscoliosis, CNS depression or coma. In these patients, even usual therapeutic doses of opioids may decrease respiratory drive while simultaneously increasing airway resistance to the point of apnea. Alternative non-opioid analgesics should be considered, and NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be employed only under careful medical supervision at the lowest effective dose in such patients. While serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression can occur at any time during the use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release, the risk is greatest during the initiation of therapy or following a dose increase. Patients should be closely monitored for respiratory depression when initiating therapy with NUCYNTA Extended-Release and following dose increases. Severe pain antagonizes the respiratory-depressant effects of opioids. However, should pain suddenly subside, these effects may rapidly become manifest. Patients who are scheduled for regional anesthetic procedures or other interruptions of pain transmission pathways should not receive NUCYNTA Extended-Release within 24 hours of the procedure. Concomitant administration of tapentadol with other opioid analgesics is associated with an increased risk of respiratory failure. Therefore, it is important to reduce the dose of tapentadol when other opioid analgesics are given concomitantly. To reduce the risk of respiratory depression, proper dosing and titration of NUCYNTA Extended-Release are essential (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION). Overestimating the NUCYNTA Extended-Release dose when converting patients from another opioid product can result in fatal overdose with the first dose. Respiratory depression has also been reported with the use of modified-release opioids even when used as recommended and not misused or abused. If respiratory depression does occur, it should be treated as an overdose. If naloxone is to be administered, use cautiously because it may precipitate seizures (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Seizure Risk and OVERDOSAGE). Hypotensive Effect NUCYNTA Extended-Release may cause severe hypotension. There is an increased risk in patients whose ability to maintain blood pressure has already been compromised by a reduced blood volume or concurrent administration of certain CNS depressant drugs (e.g., phenothiazines, tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics, or general anesthetics; see DRUG INTERACTIONS). Monitor these patients for signs of hypotension after initiating or titrating the dose of NUCYNTA Extended-Release. In patients with circulatory shock, NUCYNTA Extended-Release may cause vasodilation that can further reduce cardiac output and blood pressure. Use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release in patients with circulatory shock should be avoided. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 11 of 55

12 Psychomotor Impairment Patients should be cautioned that NUCYNTA Extended-Release may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. This is to be expected especially at the beginning of treatment, at any change of dosage, as well as in combination with alcohol or tranquilizers (see DRUG INTERACTIONS). Peri-operative Considerations NUCYNTA Extended-Release is contraindicated for peri-operative pain relief. In the case of planned chordotomy or other pain-relieving operations, patients should not be treated with NUCYNTA Extended-Release for at least 48 hours before the operation and NUCYNTA Extended-Release should not be used in the immediate post-operative period. If NUCYNTA Extended-Release is to be continued after the patient recovers from the post-operative period, a new dosage should be administered in accordance with the changed need for pain relief. The risk of withdrawal in opioid-tolerant patients should be addressed as clinically indicated (see Withdrawal Symptoms). The administration of analgesics in the peri-operative period should be managed by healthcare providers with adequate training and experience (e.g., by an anesthesiologist). Acute Abdominal Conditions As may occur with other analgesics, the administration of NUCYNTA Extended-Release may complicate the clinical assessment of patients with acute abdominal conditions. Use in Drug and Alcohol Addiction NUCYNTA Extended-Release is an opioid with no approved use in the management of addictive disorders. Its approved usage in individuals with drug or alcohol dependence, either active or in remission is for the management of chronic pain requiring continuous treatment with an opioid analgesic. Patients with a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol may be at higher risk of becoming addicted to NUCYNTA Extended-Release unless used under extreme caution and awareness. Endocrine Adrenal Insufficiency Cases of adrenal insufficiency have been reported with opioid use, more often following greater than one month of use. Presentation of adrenal insufficiency may include non-specific symptoms and signs including nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. If adrenal insufficiency is suspected, confirm the diagnosis with diagnostic testing as soon as possible. If adrenal insufficiency is diagnosed, treat with physiologic replacement doses of corticosteroids. Wean the patient off of the opioid to allow adrenal function to recover and continue corticosteroid treatment until adrenal function recovers. Other opioids may be tried as some cases reported use of a different opioid without recurrence of adrenal insufficiency. The information available does not identify any particular opioids as being more likely to be associated with adrenal insufficiency. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 12 of 55

13 Patient Counselling Information A patient information sheet is included in the package of NUCYNTA Extended-Release tablets dispensed to the patient. Patients receiving NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be given the following instructions by the physician: 1. Patients should be informed that accidental ingestion or use by individuals (including children) other than the patient for whom it was originally prescribed may lead to severe, even fatal, consequences. 2. Patients should be advised that NUCYNTA Extended-Release contains tapentadol, an opioid pain medicine. 3. Patients should be advised that NUCYNTA Extended-Release should only be taken as directed. The dose of NUCYNTA Extended-Release should not be adjusted without consulting with a physician. 4. NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be swallowed whole (not cut, broken, crushed, dissolved, divided, or chewed) due to the risk of fatal tapentadol overdose. 5. Patients should be advised to report episodes of breakthrough pain and adverse experiences occurring during therapy. Individualization of dosage is essential to make optimal use of this medication. 6. Patients should be advised not to combine NUCYNTA Extended-Release with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants (sleep aids, tranquilizers) because dangerous additive effects may occur, resulting in serious injury or death. 7. Patients should be advised that serious anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions during tapentadol treatment have rarely been reported with symptoms such as skin redness, blisters, rash, hives, swollen face, throat tightness, dyspnea, and wheezing. Tapentadol treatment should be discontinued if such symptoms occur. Patients with a history of anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reactions to any other medications may be at increased risk and should be closely monitored. 8. Patients should be advised that NUCYNTA Extended-Release may increase the risk of seizures, particularly when taken above the recommended dose range or in combination with SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants or other tricyclic compounds or with other opioids. 9. Patients should be advised to consult their physician or pharmacist if other medications are being used or will be used with NUCYNTA Extended-Release. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 13 of 55

14 10. Patients should be advised that if they have been receiving treatment with NUCYNTA Extended-Release and cessation of therapy is indicated, it may be appropriate to taper the NUCYNTA Extended-Release dose, rather than abruptly discontinue it, due to the risk of precipitating withdrawal symptoms. 11. Patients should be advised of the most common adverse events that may occur while taking NUCYNTA Extended-Release: nausea, dizziness, constipation, headache and somnolence. 12. Patients should be advised that NUCYNTA Extended-Release may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or lightheadedness and may impair mental and/or physical ability required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks (e.g., driving, operating machinery). Patients started on NUCYNTA Extended-Release or patients whose dose has been adjusted should be advised not to drive a car or operate machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of NUCYNTA Extended-Release. 13. Patients should be advised that NUCYNTA Extended-Release is a potential drug of abuse. They should protect it from theft or misuse. 14. Patients should be advised that NUCYNTA Extended-Release should never be given to anyone other than the individual for whom it was prescribed. 15. Women of childbearing potential who become or are planning to become pregnant should be advised to consult a physician prior to initiating or continuing therapy with NUCYNTA Extended-Release. Women who are breastfeeding or pregnant should not use NUCYNTA Extended-Release. 16. Patients should be informed that NUCYNTA Extended-Release could cause seizures if they are at risk for seizure or have epilepsy. Such patients should be advised to use NUCYNTA Extended-Release with care. Patients should be advised to stop taking NUCYNTA Extended-Release if they have a seizure while taking NUCYNTA Extended-Release and seek medical help immediately. Sexual Function/Reproduction Long-term use of opioids may be associated with decreased sex hormone levels and symptoms such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, or infertility (see ADVERSE REACTIONS, Post- Marketing Adverse Events). Special Populations Use in Pancreatic/Biliary Tract Disease Drugs with mu-opioid receptor agonist activity may cause spasm of the sphincter of Oddi. NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be used with caution in patients with biliary tract disease, including acute pancreatitis. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 14 of 55

15 Hepatic Impairment A study of tapentadol in subjects with hepatic impairment showed higher serum concentrations than in those with normal hepatic function. NUCYNTA Extended-Release should be used with caution in patients with moderate hepatic impairment (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Hepatic Impairment and ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Conditions, Hepatic Insufficiency). NUCYNTA Extended-Release has not been studied in patients with severe hepatic impairment and, therefore, use in this population is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Hepatic Impairment, and ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Conditions, Hepatic Insufficiency). Renal Impairment NUCYNTA Extended-Release has not been studied in controlled efficacy studies in patients with severe renal impairment; therefore, its use in this population is contraindicated (see CONTRAINDICATIONS, DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Renal Impairment, and ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Conditions, Renal Insufficiency). Pregnant Women Prolonged maternal use of opioids during pregnancy can result in withdrawal signs in the neonate. Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, unlike opioid withdrawal syndrome in adults, may be life-threatening (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome). The safety of tapentadol in pregnancy has not been studied. Therefore, NUCYNTA Extended-Release is contraindicated in pregnant women and prior to or during labour. Nursing Women There is no information on the excretion of tapentadol in human milk. Therefore, NUCYNTA Extended-Release is contraindicated during breast-feeding. Life-threatening respiratory depression may occur in the infant if opioids are administered to the mother. Naloxone, a drug that counters the effects of opioids, should be readily available if NUCYNTA Extended- Release is used in this population. Pediatrics (< 18 years of age) The safety and efficacy of NUCYNTA Extended-Release have not been studied in the pediatric population. Therefore, use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release tablets is not recommended in patients under 18 years of age. Geriatrics ( 65 years of age) In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, concomitant disease or other drug therapy. NUCYNTA Extended-Release dosing for elderly patients with normal renal and hepatic function is the same as for younger adult patients with normal renal and hepatic function. Such patients should be monitored closely, particularly when initiating and titrating NUCYNTA Extended-Release and when this drug is given concomitantly with other opioids or drugs that depress respiration. Of the total number of Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 15 of 55

16 patients in Phase 2/3 double-blind, multiple-dose clinical studies of NUCYNTA Extended- Release, 28% (1023/3613) were 65 years and over, while 7% (245/3613) were 75 years and over. No overall differences in effectiveness or tolerability were observed between these patients and younger patients (see ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Conditions). ADVERSE REACTIONS Adverse Drug Reaction Overview NUCYNTA Extended-Release was studied in nine multiple-dose, active- or placebo-controlled Phase 2/3 studies. Patients were treated with doses ranging from 21.5 mg to 250 mg of NUCYNTA Extended-Release dosed twice a day. A total of 3613 patients with moderate to severe pain were treated with NUCYNTA Extended-Release, including 227 with exposure for more than 1 year. More than 60% of NUCYNTA Extended-Release treated subjects were opioid naïve (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment, Initiation of Therapy, Patients Currently Not Taking Opioid Analgesics (Opioid Naïve)). The population was 18 to 91 years old (mean age 57.4 years). Based on data from the double-blind, placebo- and/or active-controlled studies that administered multiple doses of NUCYNTA Extended-Release, 64.4% of NUCYNTA Extended-Release treated patients experienced adverse events. These were predominantly of mild and moderate severity. The most common adverse events (reported by 10% in any NUCYNTA Extended- Release dose group) were: nausea, dizziness, constipation and headache. No deaths were reported during the treatment period or within 30 days after treatment discontinuation in NUCYNTA Extended-Release treated groups. Approximately 2.5% of NUCYNTA Extended-Release treated patients experienced a serious adverse event during the Phase 2/3 multi-dose studies vs. 1.0% on placebo. Approximately 18% of NUCYNTA Extended-Release treated patients and 6% of patients on placebo with adverse events discontinued from the Phase 2/3 multi-dose studies. The most common reasons for discontinuation due to adverse events in the studies described above (reported by 1% in any NUCYNTA Extended-Release dose group) for NUCYNTA Extended-Release and placebo-treated patients were nausea (4.3% vs. 1.3%), dizziness (3.1% vs. 0.7%), vomiting (2.8% vs. 0.5%), somnolence (2.0% vs. 0.2%), constipation (1.4% vs. 0.2%), headache (1.2% vs. 0.3%) and fatigue (1.2% vs. 0.3%), respectively. Withdrawal symptoms may occur if an opioid analgesic is discontinued abruptly. In all NUCYNTA Extended-Release clinical studies, all treatment was discontinued following patient exposure up to 1 year, without a requirement for a tapering regimen. In all Phase 2/3 NUCYNTA Extended-Release studies, patients taking NUCYNTA Extended-Release who stopped abruptly without initiating alternative opioid therapy were assessed for withdrawal symptoms between 2 to 4 days after discontinuation, and then between 5 to 14 days after discontinuation, using the Clinical Opioid Withdrawal Scale. There were 635 patients in the NUCYNTA Extended-Release group assessed between Day 2 and Day 4 after abrupt cessation of treatment with 11.8% and 2.0% of patients having mild or moderate withdrawal, respectively. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 16 of 55

17 Assessments on Day 5 or later were available for 1145 patients treated with NUCYNTA Extended-Release (mild, 5.1%; moderate 0.3%). Withdrawal symptoms may be reduced by further tapering NUCYNTA Extended-Release. Clinical Trial Adverse Drug Reactions Because clinical trials are conducted under very specific conditions the adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials may not reflect the rates observed in practice and should not be compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug. Adverse drug reaction information from clinical trials is useful for identifying drug-related adverse events and for approximating rates. Double-Blind Studies Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) reported in 1% of NUCYNTA Extended- Release treated patients with moderate to severe pain from eight double-blind, active and/or placebo-controlled studies are summarized in Table 1, if they occurred at an equivalent or higher rate with NUCYNTA Extended-Release than with placebo. These adverse events were included regardless of any causal relationship to NUCYNTA Extended-Release. Table 1: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events Reported by 1% of NUCYNTA Extended-Release Treated Patients in Phase 2/3 Double-Blind (Placebo- and/or Active-Controlled) Multiple-Dose Clinical Studies System/Organ Class MedDRA Preferred Term Any ADR Ear and labyrinth disorders NUCYNTA Extended-Release (n=2328) % Placebo (n=1498) % Vertigo Gastrointestinal disorders Nausea Constipation Vomiting Dry mouth General disorders and administration site conditions Fatigue Asthenia Chills Infections and infestations Bronchitis Influenza Investigations Electrocardiogram QT prolonged Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 17 of 55

18 Table 1: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events Reported by 1% of NUCYNTA Extended-Release Treated Patients in Phase 2/3 Double-Blind (Placebo- and/or Active-Controlled) Multiple-Dose Clinical Studies System/Organ Class MedDRA Preferred Term Metabolism and nutrition disorders NUCYNTA Extended-Release (n=2328) % Placebo (n=1498) % Decreased appetite Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders Pain in extremity Myalgia Nervous system disorders Dizziness Headache Somnolence Tremor Lethargy Psychiatric disorders Insomnia Anxiety Restlessness Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders Pharyngolaryngeal pain Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders Hyperhidrosis Pruritus Rash Vascular disorders Hot flush Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 18 of 55

19 Less Common Clinical Trial Adverse Events (<1%) The following treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), which have been included regardless of any causal relationship to tapentadol, occurred in less than 1% in NUCYNTA Extended- Release treated patients in the double-blind, placebo- or active-controlled clinical studies and were observed at a higher incidence with NUCYNTA Extended-Release than with placebo: Cardiac disorders: tachycardia, bradycardia, extrasystoles Ear and labyrinth disorders: tinnitus Endocrine disorders: hypothyroidism Eye disorders: vision blurred, lacrimation increased, dry eye Gastrointestinal disorders: food poisoning, hematochezia, gastric disorder, rectal hemorrhage General disorders and administration site conditions: malaise, feeling jittery, drug withdrawal syndrome, feeling cold, chest pain, feeling hot, feeling abnormal, feeling of body temperature change, thirst, sluggishness Infections and infestations: gastroenteritis, cystitis, rhinitis, viral infection, localized infection, pneumonia, tooth infection, pharyngitis streptococcal, tooth abscess, infection Injury, poisoning and procedural complications: contusion, muscle strain, excoriation Investigations: blood pressure increased, gamma glutamyltransferase increased, weight decreased, electrocardiogram abnormal, electrocardiogram T-wave abnormal, blood calcium increased Metabolism and nutrition disorders: anorexia, dehydration, hypoglycemia, hypokalemia Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders: neck pain, bone pain, muscle twitching, osteoarthritis, muscular weakness, musculoskeletal chest pain Nervous system disorders: disturbance in attention, migraine, dysgeusia, paraesthesia, hypoesthesia, restless legs syndrome, syncope, balance disorder, sedation, depressed level of consciousness, hypersomnia, memory impairment, mental impairment, tension headache Psychiatric disorders: depression, sleep disorder, depressed mood, nervousness, abnormal dreams, nightmare, agitation, disorientation, hallucination, stress, euphoric mood, libido decreased Renal and urinary disorders: dysuria, hematuria Reproductive system and breast disorders: erectile dysfunction Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders: dyspnea, rhinorrhea, yawning, wheezing, hiccups Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: pruritus generalized, erythema, night sweats, piloerection, eczema, urticaria, rash macular Vascular disorders: pallor QTc Interval in Healthy Volunteers: In a thorough QT study in healthy volunteers under stringent study conditions, tapentadol showed no clinically relevant effect on the QTc interval (see ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Cardiac Safety). Seizure occurred in one volunteer with a history of seizure in a Phase 1 study. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 19 of 55

20 Post-Marketing Adverse Events Adverse events identified during post-marketing experience with tapentadol are included in Table 2. Because these events are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. In Table 2, based on patient treatment years, the frequencies are provided according to the following convention: Very common 1/10 Common 1/100 and <1/10 Uncommon 1/1000 and <1/100 Rare 1/10,000, <1/1000 Very Rare <1/10,000 Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data) Table 2: Adverse Events Identified During Post-Marketing Experience with Tapentadol Gastrointestinal disorders Rare Diarrhea Immune system disorders Uncommon Hypersensitivity (including rare events of angioedema, anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock) Psychiatric disorders Rare Hallucination Very rare Panic attack Nervous system disorders Uncommon Headache Cardiac disorders Rare Palpitations Hypersensitivity There have been reports of hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema, anaphylactic shock), including fatalities, in some patients during tapentadol treatment. Reported symptoms included skin redness, blisters, rash, hives, swollen face, throat tightness, dyspnea, and wheezing. Tapentadol treatment should be discontinued if such symptoms occur. Patients with hypersensitivity to tapentadol, or any other ingredient of the formulation or component of the container, should not take NUCYNTA Extended-Release (see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Hypersensitivity). For a complete listing of ingredients, see the DOSAGE FORMS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING section of the Product Monograph. Suicidality Suicidal ideation has been reported during post-market use of tapentadol. A causal relationship between suicidal ideation and tapentadol drug exposure has not been established based on data from clinical trials and post-marketing reports. Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 20 of 55

21 Post-Marketing Experience Androgen deficiency: Chronic use of opioids may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to androgen deficiency that may manifest as low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, amenorrhea, or infertility. The causal role of opioids in the clinical syndrome of hypogonadism is unknown because the various medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that may influence gonadal hormone levels have not been adequately controlled for in studies conducted to date. Patients presenting with symptoms of androgen deficiency should undergo laboratory evaluation. DRUG INTERACTIONS Use NUCYNTA Extended-Release with caution in patients currently using specified centrally-acting drugs or alcohol. Do not use NUCYNTA Extended-Release in patients currently using or within 14 days of using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Overview Tapentadol is mainly metabolized by glucuronidation, a system with a very high capacity which is not easily saturated even in disease. As therapeutic concentrations of drugs that are subject to glucuronidation are generally well below the concentrations needed for potential inhibition of glucuronidation, the risk of clinically relevant interaction between these drugs is generally low. The following substances have been included in a set of interaction studies without any clinically significant finding: acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, naproxen and probenecid. The pharmacokinetics of tapentadol were not affected when gastric ph or gastrointestinal motility were increased by omeprazole and metoclopramide, respectively. Plasma protein binding of tapentadol is low (approximately 20%). Therefore, the likelihood of pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions by displacement from the protein binding site is low. Interactions with Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants (including benzodiazepines and alcohol): Concomitant use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release with other pure mu-opioid agonists, mixed opioid agonists/antagonists (such as pentazocine, nalbuphine), or partial mu-opioid agonists has not been studied. In vitro dissolution studies have demonstrated that NUCYNTA Extended-Release does not release tapentadol more rapidly in M phosphate buffer ph 6.8 containing up to 40% ethanol than in M phosphate buffer ph 6.8. In vitro studies may not predict in vivo effects. Patients receiving other opioid agonist analgesics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, antiemetics, benzodiazepines, other tranquilizers, sedatives, hypnotics, or other CNS depressants Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 21 of 55

22 (including alcohol) concomitantly with NUCYNTA Extended-Release may experience additive CNS depression. Interactive effects resulting in respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, or coma may result if these drugs are taken in combination with NUCYNTA Extended-Release. If such combined therapy is contemplated, a dose reduction of one or both agents should be considered. The use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release with alcoholic beverages or prescription or non-prescription products containing alcohol should be avoided (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS). Drug-Drug Interactions Drugs Metabolized by Cytochrome P450 Enzymes In vitro investigations indicate that tapentadol does not inhibit or induce P450 enzymes. Thus, clinically relevant interactions mediated by the cytochrome P450 system are unlikely to occur. Drugs That Inhibit or Induce Cytochrome P450 Enzymes The major pathway of tapentadol metabolism is conjugation with glucuronic acid to produce glucuronides, a high capacity metabolic pathway. To a lesser extent, tapentadol is additionally metabolized to N-desmethyl tapentadol (13%) by CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, and to hydroxy tapentadol (2%) by CYP2D6, which are further metabolized by conjugation. Since only a minor amount of tapentadol is metabolized via the oxidative pathway, clinically relevant interactions mediated by the cytochrome P450 system are unlikely to occur. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors NUCYNTA Extended-Release is contraindicated in patients who are receiving monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or who have taken them within the last 14 days due to potential additive effects on norepinephrine levels, which may result in adverse cardiovascular events (see CONTRAINDICATIONS). Anticholinergic Drugs The use of NUCYNTA Extended-Release with anticholinergic products (e.g., oxybutynin, ipratropium bromide, tiotropium, carbamazepine, etc.) may increase the risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus. Alcohol Interaction Study: An in vivo, cross-over study examined the effect of alcohol (240 ml of 40%) on the bioavailability of a single dose of 100 mg and 250 mg of NUCYNTA Extended-Release tablets in 19 healthy, fasted volunteers. After co-administration of a 100 mg NUCYNTA Extended- Release tablet and alcohol, the mean C max value increased by 48% compared to control (consumed water instead of alcohol) with a range of 0.99-fold up to 4.38-fold. In addition, the 3 subjects (15%) with the highest C max values were at least 2.3 times that of the control mean C max value. The mean tapentadol AUC last and AUC inf were increased by 17%; the T max and t 1/2 were relatively unchanged. After co-administration of a 250 mg NUCYNTA Extended-Release tablet and alcohol, the mean C max value increased by 28% compared to control with a range of fold up to 2.67-fold. The individual C max value for 2 of these subjects (10%) were at least 2.6 times that of the control mean C max value. The mean tapentadol AUC last and AUC inf were increased by 16%; the T max and t 1/2 were relatively unchanged. However, concomitant use of Nucynta Extended-Release Product Monograph Page 22 of 55